Some postures that are usually very frustrating for me went well. I actually got completely into the second posture, Pada Hastasana (Hands to Feet pose), right off the bat! I can NEVER seem to get remotely close to having my stomach on my thighs or face on my shins, even in the second set.
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| Hands to Feet Pose |
Others I did better than usual: Dadayamana-Janushirasana (Standing Head to Knee!) and Dadayamana-Bibkhaktapada-Paschimottanasana (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose).
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| Standing Head to Knee Pose |
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| Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose |
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| Tree Pose |
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| Locust Pose |
It didn't seem unbearably hot at any point, and I didn't sweat as much as I usually do, which could be quantified as POURING.
I felt relaxed about my practice. My ambition took a backseat to a sense of serenity. It was a really good feeling.
I wonder how much difference that made to the perceived difficulty of my class?
Perhaps I was simply more flexible and low-key because I've only run twice since my PR at Marine Corps Marathon.
Early in my Bikram practice I read that in order to run efficiently, you need a certain degree of tightness in your hamstrings. Therefore, serious runners will never be completely supple in Bikram class. Anyone else heard that?
I actually stopped going to the advanced yoga classes because I think I was stretching too much and things weren't staying in place. Yoga I is a happy happy place.
ReplyDeleteSometimes stepping away from an activity and then returning helps, muscle memory and all. Good to hear you enojoyed it!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good yoga practice! Bikram is one of those things that going into a class, it could either go one way, or the complete opposite. I've never heard that about stretching your hamstrings too much - definitely and interesting idea though. If you ever find where you read it, I'd be curious to learn more.
ReplyDeleteHappy Trails!